South Carolina is home to a park that features an 1850s gold mine that recovered a million dollars worth of gold in a period of less than 10 years in the 1850s. Heritage Gold Mine Park in McCormick is both a living testament to the gold rush era and the dreams of one man, Billy Dorn, who struck the mine in 1852.

Not only can visitors tour the property on a self-guided walk and see original evidence of the mine, vertical shafts, deep crevices, and more, the park also has a sluice where visitors can pan for gold.
Google Maps/John Hofman
A walking tour of the property also reveals a tunnel into the mine.
Google Maps/John Hofman
It's not very tall, but the kiddos love to explore the space.
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After spending time exploring the park, for only $5 for a half-gallon bucket of dirt, visitors can seek their own gold riches at Heritage Gold Mine Park.
Google Maps/Heritage Gold Mine Park
Each half gallon bucket is guaranteed to have 4-8 pieces of local creek gold.
Google Maps/Lisa Kadel
Or, for those really ready to dig in their heels for some panning, purchase a three gallon bag of ore and sift away. Each three gallon bag is sure to have 24-48 pieces of local creek gold.
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What a fun excursion for the whole family!
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Heritage Gold Mine Park is open seasonally from May to October on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pan for gold and keep what you find! Learn more from the official website for the park.

Have you ever panned for gold? Will you be adding this gold mine in South Carolina to your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!

Want to make a weekend of it? Spend the night in McCormick at This River Cabin Resort In South Carolina Is The Ultimate Spot For A Getaway.

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209 N Mine St, McCormick, SC 29835, USA